Fast Food and Your Body

We live in a world dependent upon convenience so it’s understandable when indulge in fast food from time to time, it happens. However, always eating out can have some major health consequences that can go beyond just increasing our risk of obesity, cancer, and heart disease. In this article, we’ll be going over 6 of the other major health risks we expose ourselves to when we eat fast food consistently.

1. Starving

Fast food is high in calories but that doesn’t mean it’s nutritionally balanced. Eating too much nutritionally in-balanced foods will cause your body to lack the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly. Without these necessary nutrients, you won’t be satisfied or full for long.

2. Memory & cognitive function decline

Foods such as milkshakes, burgers, and other fried foods are high in saturated fats. High intake of saturated fats may negatively impact the brain and impair memory speed and prospective memory (remembering what you intend to do.)

3. Breaking down your skin

Fast foods that are simple sugars, white flour, and empty carbs may cause skin issues such as acne. Your skin may also be depleted of the necessary vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep it vibrant and healthy.

4. Bloating

Sodium is often added to many food products in the form of flavoring and preservatives. With the dietary sodium limits for adults suggested to be under 1,500 milligrams per day, it’s essential to not consume over 2,300 milligrams per day. Most fast food meals exceed the maximum suggested amount meaning you’re more likely to experience water retention leading you to feel bloated and puffy.

5. Tooth DecayHigh consumption of soda can cause a decline in your overall oral health. Drinking large quantities of soda can also increase the amount of acid within your mouth. Over time this acid will eventually cause tooth decay and cavities.

6. WorryDue to the lack of omega-3 fatty acids in fast foods, you could possibly be placing yourself into a more anxious mental state. High refined carbohydrates can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar with these irregular dips you’ll be more prone to experiencing anxiety, trembling, confusion and fatigue.

It’s hard to eat healthy all the time, however, eating fast food daily, drinking soda, and indulging in high in carb foods can cause some worrying effects on your body. Being aware of what fast food can do to your body both internally and externally can help you to make better food choices that will keep you healthy, happy, and performing your best functionally.